The Science March on Earth Day provided us with an actual picture of the participating masses filled with an untiring enthusiasm in unity for the need to save our planet, for there is no planet B; we only have one chance and that time is now because time will run out for we are very close to ...

Tuesday, May 2 is National Teachers Day. There is an earmark of genuine quality in our American educational system. And that earmark rests solidly with teachers who possess subject mastery and who are thoughtfully creative, and most importantly, are genuinely caring for each student as a ...

What’s up with all these pink hats. Where did they come from and why are so many people wearing them? The pink hat is a symbol of human decency. It is our response to Trump’s statement “Grab them by the ... .” This lack of respect and decency is echoed in every one of Trump’s ...

While I am loathe to oversimplify nuanced positions held by citizens in the U.S. today, I would like to re-frame the comparative list provided in the commentary by Richard Makuch “Two sides of American life” (April 3): The ultra-conservatives have infiltrated a major political party in ...

I’ve been thinking about Canada lately. While world leaders act like orangutans flinging poo, Canada calmly goes about its business. I suppose if Canada were part of the animal kingdom, she would be a dairy cow, hanging out in the pasture, chewing her cud, ruminating about world affairs ...

Let’s continue with short sentences that make us laugh or think. One day I counted the money in my wallet. It added up to $20. “This should hold me for awhile.” A voice came back and said, “Yeah, as long as you don’t leave the house!” Start out with the question, “What is ...

Was the governor’s incipient 2020 presidential campaign dealt a death blow when he failed to come up with all of a $90,000 subsidy in order to save a 25-cent glass of white or chocolate milk at the New York State Fair’s dairy bar? His failure has also left a bitter taste in the mouths of ...

“Those flowers breathe promise of merry sunshine as we merrily dance and we sing. We welcome the hope that they bring of a summer of roses and wine.” I’m always grateful to Gilbert and Sullivan for providing extra inspiration. Let me add, as do they, “Tra la!” I welcome the ...

It’s time again for the annual irony of Earth Month. In our zeal for lumping worthwhile commemorations into discrete months, we will be on our best environmental behavior through April. Locally, the electronics deposit event at SUNY Fredonia invites us to safely discard most appliances. ...

Transparency is the cornerstone of open and honest government, and it is one of my top priorities. I fundamentally believe that it is part of the commitment I make every year to the people of New York state. Intending to lead by example, I became the first member of Congress to post my ...

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship makes college tuition free for the middle class. This is an embarrassingly stupid idea. Full disclosure: I am a professor at a state university. In the last election, presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton put forth plans to ...

An open letter to area youth: Hi kids; I know as a general rule you don’t always have much concern for us old fogeys. We’re no longer active in anything. So who cares what we think? I’m one of those old fogeys. In October, I’ll chalk up my 90th birthday, but give me credit that ...

Let’s continue discussing this Liberal way of thinking. I just hope that it isn’t too late to bring this country back to the way this country should be. Common sense: love this country, love this way of life, defend our way of life. Always remember what our forefathers had said when they ...

As the debate goes on about the desire to have municipal water lines run to West Main Road, I felt I had to reply to some of the “alternative facts.” First and foremost, the topic of a waterline was brought up by the Grape Discovery Center due to the fact that there is a plan to finish ...

Woodrow Wilson must have felt pretty good on the day of his second inauguration. The Virginia Democrat’s first term had been wildly successful with the implementation of several of his Progressive policies. The Federal Reserve Act, Federal Trade Commission Act, Clayton Anti-Trust Act ...

There are 1.8 billion Muslim followers of Islam. We have 8-plus million Muslim Americans in this country Question: How can we fight an ideological war with weapons? How can we ever end this war? The Jihadist ideology that is talked about is an ideology. How can we ever win this thing if it ...

The international press has news that the Catholic Church, led by Pope Francis and senior Bishops, is emerging as an influential opponent of right-wing immigration crackdowns in the U.S. and Europe. The Pope’s pro-immigrant judgment is seen in his speeches, sermons, and personal generosity. ...

“If you know someone who’s depressed please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather. Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for ...

“As comfortable as an old shoe.” My toes will attest to the veracity of that adage. I imagine we all have our favorites. I’d always heard about the fellow who had a sweater — or maybe it was a jacket — he positively refused to let go. Perhaps even a dramatic rescue from the trash ...

I was thinking about a first cousin who resides in Israel. He’s married, has children and lives his life. Now well into his 50s he left the love and safety of his family here in the United States. His father, my uncle and godfather, was killed in a hit-and-run accident close to their home. ...